1 arrested, 2 at-large after police say men posed as Christians helping the poor
WINDER, Ga. - Winder Police caught one of three men they said were involved in conning a local man out of thousands of dollars.
Bernard Candies, 61, was booked into the Barrow County Detention Center on charges of felony fraud, exploitation of the elderly, and a probation violation.
"They went and picked him up that evening, that morning and brought him back to Barrow County and that was one of the happiest days of my life," said Walter Hosch, victim.
It happened August 23. Hosch was shopping at Walmart when police said Candies, along with Sylvester Jackson and Marvin Scott, both 63, confronted him. Hosch said they told him they were Christians and needed $15,000 for the poor.
Police said they rode in Hosch's truck with him to the bank and even prayed over the money he withdrew. Hosch sid that's when they switched the envelope of cash out for one full of newspaper.
"If I hadn't been out there talking, they would still be out there doing other people the same way and that's not right," said Hosch.
Police said Jackson and Scott appear to be avoiding arrest.
"They can run they can run all they want to but they can't hide from justice. Justice soon will catch them," said Hosch.
Hosch is offering his own money as a reward. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Jackson and Scott should contact Winder Police Detective James Schiltz at 678-425-6889 or by email at james.schiltz@cityofwinder.com.